Maker: Asai (click to see more by this maker)Price: $356.95
Item num: 86717Blade length: 6.75 in.Total length: 12.00 in.Blade width: 1.90 in.Blade thickness: 0.12 in.Item weight: 4.25 oz.Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.Blade: Deeply etched stainless nickel Damascus san mai with SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel, Rc 64-65Bolster: Pakka wood ferruleHandle: Macassar ebonyDescription: Renowned bladesmith Masami Asai passed away in the summer of 2014. He will be greatly missed – as a person, an artist, and one of the truly great knifemakers of Japan. Before his passing, his apprentice, Yamamoto, was given the right to continue to make knives under the Asai name. We are working with Yamamoto-san to determine which knife lines will be continued. We regret that this means that only those knives that are in stock can be ordered at this time.The santoku is the traditional Japanese chefs knife. This comfortable design is a fantastic multipurpose chopper. The Santoku style has quickly become the new favorite for chefs in the West.
Each knife is individually hand-forged beginning with an SG powdered metallurgical (PM) stainless steel core (hagane). The smaller crystalline size of this PM steel results in superior edge holding when compared to nearly any stainless steel. The central core is surrounded by many layers of deeply etched nickel Damascus. These many layers of steel result in a surface that helps food release from the knife's side when cut. This time consuming process creates a knife with outstanding edge holding and beauty. The blade is distal tapered for optimal balance and has an extremely thin, keen edge for the highest performance.
The "Wa" style handle is octagon in shape and is sculpted from macassar ebony with a pakka wood ferrule. This natural, ambidextrous handle style is easy to grip and lasts a lifetime. Like other kitchen knives, this knife should not be put in a dishwasher.Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days